Celebrities who spoke on sexual harassment

Tanushree Dutta accusations of sexual harassment against Nana Patekar have led to many women coming out in open and sharing their ordeals to the world. After many claimed sexual harassment allegations against Vikas Bahl, Alok Nath, Piyush Mishra, celebs have been voicing their opinions against them. Director Sajid Khan too was accused of similar allegations by multiple women.

Also, actress Bipasha Basu who worked in the film 'Humshakals' with Sajid Khan accused him of passing lewd comments on the sets of the film which made her feel uncomfortable. And now Saif Ali Khan went on and expressed his opinion about the same. The actor, who was a pivotal part of the film reportedly said that he did not notice anything of that sort but said that one has to listen to everything before reacting to it. The actor lauded women for their bravery to come out in open and name the people who have harassed and molested them. He hoped the movement to bring about a change in the attitude with regard to the existing behaviour towards women.

He stressed the fact that one has to be careful while reacting and we have to listen and absorb everything before taking any action and decide the right thing.

The small screen fame Rashi Mal who just made her big screen appearance with ‘Helicopter Eela’ recently in an exclusive interview with ETimes shares about her take on the #MeToo movement. The actress says that it’s not the first time the movement has come around; however, this time more people are opening up. At the same time, she adds that it really takes courage to come forward and speak.

The actress quotes, “I think it is about time the movement came to India. The first time around did not see any names being taken although it did highlight the magnitude and scale of the problem. But what is happening now will definitely help purge the system and make it safer for girls to work in. We have all been subjected to stuff like this in one way or another. It takes great courage to speak up and I greatly admire all those who are standing up against abuse and harassment.”

Veteran lyricist and poet Gulzar has said harassment of women happens across the society and is not only limited to cinema. Gulzar was quoted saying by PTI, "Directors are coming out with much more bolder subjects which are touching the reality. Cinema is a reflection of your society, what is happening (around). If we say harassment of a woman or a girl is only in cinema (then I don't think so). It has spread all over the society."

"Cinema has spared you for not putting that mirror in front of you where an 8-year-old girl is gang-raped. Thank God. But beware, cinema has started reflecting every part of your life today. They are no more narrating bedtime stories," Gulzar added.

The writer said it is wrong to look at films as something which is going to teach morals to the audiences. "Cinema is not Bible writing. It doesn't teach you morals, good values to live. Cinema is not meant for that. If you're looking at cinema that it' will tell you good values then you're mistaken. It's not Bible" he added.

Tanushree Dutta took the entire nation by storm when she revealed that she was harassed by Nana Patekar while working with him in the film 'Horn Ok! Pleassss'. After the actress explained her ordeal to the media, it sparked a lot of controversies and lead to many other actresses coming forward and sharing their experiences with the world.

With more and more people coming out in open about the sexual harassment they have faced at the workplace, Bollywood’s own #MeToo movement has begun. And its effect is for all to see. Speaking about the same, Tanushree Dutta reportedly said that she was glad that people are referring to her as the torchbearer of the movement. She further revealed that she had just put across what she had gone through and that it was indeed important to clear all the misconceptions.

The actress was all praises for the girl who revealed her experience of being harassed by Vikas Bahl. And that she was happy with people boycotting the sexual predators by quitting their films. She believes that people are waking up and one cannot shame someone into silence.

With the 'Me Too' movement catching a pace in Bollywood. Many names have popped up who are accused of sexual harassment allegations. It started off with Tanushree Dutta accusing Nana Patekar and now it seems the list is never ending. The latest to join in is singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya. The Bollywood singer is known for his controversial tweet and blunt comments is now in a tight spot.

The singer has been accused of sexual harassment by a flight attendant. She has alleged that Abhijeet had harassed her in 1998 at a hotel in Kolkata. On which Abhijeet has his own reaction. The lady further penned down the entire incident on social media which suggest that Abhijeet was a friend of her roommate. She divulged that Abhijeet Bhattacharya twisted her arms, pulled her towards him and screamed in her ear, almost kissing and nibbling her at a hotel in Kolkata. After which a media house contacted Abhijeet to know his plight.. Reportedly, the singer explained that with Me Too movement, everyone is seeking attention with such bad publicity and talking about his case, he said that he was not even born then. He also added that such people are benefiting by my name and he is happy that they can earn their bread butter through such tactics.

For the uninitiated, singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya had earlier denied a molestation charges which were put upon him.

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has come forward to lend her support to the many women speaking up about their encounters with sexual harassment. In a recet interview, the actress spoke her mind and expressed how “glad” she is that the movement has gained momentum today, considering that it has been going on for a long time.

Online reports quote the actress saying that she has always spoken out in the past and will continue to do so. Ash also pledged to help women “find their voice”, strength and confidence to speak up about their stories.

She also went on to praise social media for giving victims a platform to come forward with such incidents and have their stories heard. While not commenting on any allegation, in particular, she termed the #MeToo movement as the “need of the hour since time immemorial” and also said that she hopes that everyone collectively keeps the momentum going.

‘Super 30’ actress Mrunal Thakur has come forward to condemn the acts of sexual harassment, that are only now being brought to light in the wake of the #MeToo movement in India. “I really hope that strict actions are taken against the culprit. There is no way a person should get out of such a horrible offence without any punishment," the actress said in her statement that she posted on her social media account, while also commending the courage of women who have spoken up thus far.

This note comes a day after Hrithik Roshan issued a statement advising the producers of ‘Super 30’to take the required action against the film’s director, Vikas Bahl, “if need be.”

Extending her support to those speaking up on the grave issue, Mrunal said, “It is very saddening to hear about all that is happening around us in recent times. It takes a lot of courage to come out and speak about it. I am glad that the conversation has begun. I really hope that strict actions are taken against the culprit. There is no way a person should get out of such a horrible offence without any punishment."

The #Metoo movement has finally captured India, thanks to Tanushree Dutta's accusations on Nana Patekar. With the Tanushree-Nana controversy Bollywood has got divided into 2-3 sections. While some are in support of Tanushree, some are in favour of Nana Patekar and the rest are keeping their mouth shut to avoid further controversy.

So far with the #Metoo movement, many celebs and laymen have come forward in naming the accused in the case of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. As of now, names such as Vikas Bahl, Alok Nath, Rajat Kapoor, Kailash Kher and Zulfi Syed are being accused of molestation and sexual harassment.

After Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Swara Bhaskar and a few, the latest to join the bandwagon who is in support of Tanushree Dutta is Aditia Rao Hydari. The actress to a media house expressed how it takes courage to come out in open and raise the voice. It took Tanushree 10 years to finally speak on the issue as she was knowing that audience is going to pull her down. She further added that there should be fair chance given to both men and women to keep their respective sides. Like all men, women should also listen and understand the reality of the country and the world.

With Tanushree Dutta leveling allegations against Nana Patekar for harassment on the sets of 'Horn Ok Pleassss', the floodgates on India’s Me Too movement has been blasted wide open. Now as each day passes, more and more names are coming to light with women sharing their ordeals on social media. Other than Nana other celebrities who find themselves in the eye of the storm are Vikas Bahl, Rajat Kapoor, Kailash Kher and Alok Nath. Now, actress Taapsee Pannu has something to say about the movement that has taken the country by storm.

Talking about the same, she said that she is really happy that the movement is finally here in India. Even though people have been asking her about this for years, she did not have answers as she added that she fortunately has not undergone anything like this. However, she also said that she is glad to see it gain such momentum. On the professional front, Taapsee is currently basking in the success of her latest release ‘Manmarziyaan’.

‘Queen' director Vikas Bahl was accused of sexually harassing a woman who used to work as a crew member with him in Phantom Films. Since the girl came out with her horrifying story, ‘Queen’ actress Kangana Ranaut along with Phantom Films co-owners Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane came out to confirm the story. Now, another actress (who pleaded anonymity) has come forward to allege that Bahl had “forcibly tried to kiss” her while at a party.

According to reports doing the rounds, the unnamed actress revealed on the condition of anonymity that she had also been sexually harassed by the director and that she remained careful not to be alone with him. In the report, she claimed that the Bahl “got drunk (or pretended to be)” while he forcibly tried to kiss her on the lips while at a party with about 20 guests in attendance. The actress stated that she pushed him and left immediately.

She also claimed that the director usually “pretended” to be drunk and “feigning ignorance.” The report further quotes the actress saying that his behaviour wasn’t under wraps and that his ex-wife knew about it and that he had previously been fired from someplace he worked at before, on similar grounds.

Tanushree Dutta recently revealed about the harassment she faced on the sets of a film in 2008 by veteran actor Nana Patekar. The actress stated that she refused to do an intimate dance step with Nana and choreographer Ganesh Acharya along with the actor, harassed her. She added that Nana called goons to attack her vanity van.

When Tanushree spoke up about the same ten years back, no actor came forward to support her. However, the actress has found support in many B-Town celebs.

Adding to the list is actress Malaika Arora who said that Tanushree should be applauded for her courage for coming out in open about the matter. She added that this is the time when everyone should come together.

Malaika also feels that questioning the actress about why she is talking about the incident 10 years later, is not right. Instead, she should be respected that she has opened up about it.

Malaika further stated that this has upset her a lot.

Meanwhile, Tanushree has filed a complaint at Oshiwara police station against Nana Patekar and Ganesh Acharya on Saturday.

Sapna Pabbi has come out in support of fellow Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta, who alleged that actor Nana Patekar misbehaved with her while shooting a special song for 'Horn Ok Pleassss'. The actress also opened up about an uncomfortable experience she had while shooting for a project in the past.

In a lengthy statement posted on her official Instagram account, Pabbi said she was backstabbed by a female colleague who, she alleged, colluded with the director and producer. She did not, however, mention any names.

"As an actress, I often experience what Tanushree has experienced on almost a daily basis. My voice silenced my words manipulated, twisted and used for the wrong reasons. I have had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented females in all kinds of respective roles within the business," she wrote.

"Sadly I have been disappointed with the way some of these women (and others within my working environment) have remained absent during such traumatic and difficult situations and were merely witnessing if not taking advantage themselves," she added.

Recalling the incident, the actor said she was forced to wear an uncomfortable bikini for a song and dance sequence and added that she spoke to her stylist about it.

Pabbi said the project's producer, a man, told her that she was becoming "difficult to work with" and that she was "throwing tantrums about a poxy bra".

"I then found out that the stylist herself thought I was being demanding and laughed about it with the male director and producer. I understand that she may have been scared to raise her voice as we all are at times, but she chose to ignore me and throw me under the bus instead," she said.

Kajol, who is promoting her next film, ‘Helicopter Eela’ has spoken about Tanushree Dutta’s allegations in an interview. She said that she has been extremely busy to know the full details of the harassment allegations Tanushree has levelled against Nana Patekar. She, however, did point out that sexual harassment is the reality of every industry and unpleasant incidents happen with men and women. Kajol said that she has heard many rumours but has not faced anything like that in the industry.

She also said that it is ‘sad’ that Tanushree had to go through it. Kajol added if something like this had happened in front of her, she would have surely stood up or done something about it.

In a series of interviews actress Tanushree Dutta has been discussing the allegations of harassment she levied against veteran actor Nana Patekar. Over the week, several Bollywood A-listers including Farhan Akhtar, Priyanka Chopra, Twinkle Khanna, Sonam Kapoor and more have come forward to lend her their support, despite Nana repeatedly dismissing the said allegations.

Another big name who has come forward to stand up for the actress and even laud her for her courageous decision, is actor Varun Dhawan. The Bollywood hunk, who was present at an event in the city, applauded Tanushree for her courage to speak openly about this topic that has long been rumoured to be prevalent in the film industry. Speaking at the event, he said that although he didn’t know the details about the allegations, he reiterated the need for a safer work environment for men, women and children. He also went on to say that he had immense “respect” for Tanushree and the fact that she is talking about this openly, he said everyone should hear her out.

Tanushree Dutta came out recently with the allegations that she was harassed on sets of 'Horn Ok Pleassss' by Nana Patekar. She has since had a lot of support from Bollywood celebs, with some still choosing to stay mum on it. Now, the actress has opened up again about what it means for other women and why she did not take legal action in this case.

Speaking about the same, she said that she may have proof and documentation to process things legally but questioned about those who don’t have that option. She believes that women who come out with such things are often not taken at face value but the perpetrator’s words are taken with more seriousness. Tanushree claims that she wants to break this prejudice against brave women who will open up in the future, which is why she has been so vocal about it.

The actress also added that she did try taking the legal route at one point but the harassment faced by her family in light of that made her quit this course of action.

A full decade after the incident took place, actress Tanushree Dutta who apparently suffered harassment on sets of 'Horn Ok Pleassss' has blown it wide open once again. A journalist and some B-town celebs also spoke in favour of the actress about what happened and now there is finally someone who witnessed the events that day.

Assistant director Shyni Shetty was on set that day when the whole drama unfolded. She said that the actress did seem very uncomfortable on set that day and that the shooting was stopped twice. She also witnessed the director, producer and choreographer having serious discussions while Tanushree locked herself in her vanity van. Shyni also witnessed goons attacking her car in which the actress was travelling with her parents. The AD eventually tweeted about it and corroborated the version presented by Tanushree as she wrote, “Everything in this thread happened exactly the way it's written. It was my first film as an AD. I was proud of what you did then, @TanushreeDutta and I'm proud of you today.”

Tanushree Dutta is all set to make a comeback in films after she returned to India after almost two years. In an interview, the actress opened up the #Metoo movement in Hollywood and why India is not ready for it yet. According to reports, she said that the movement won’t gain prominence in India until and unless what happened to her in 2008 is addressed. She alleged that back then, an actor working on the film 'Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss' sexually harassed her, intimidated and that when she rejected his advances, he pulled some political strings which led to goons vandalizing her car. She went on to add that in Hollywood the movement started two years back, but in India it started way before that and the she was probably the first to raise her voice on the matter.

In a press conference organised to discuss the allegations of harassment that she had levelled against Nana Patekar and workers of Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena along with the producer and director of ‘Horn 'Ok' Pleassss’: Sami Siddiqui and Rakesh Sarang respectively, former actress Tanushree Dutta revealed why she decided to touch again upon the controversy that first erupted almost ten years back.

Tanushree started off by disclosing the purpose of her visit to India, “I came to India for a holiday and a lot of media persons wanted to know why I have been away. And in the last 8 years, all kinds of gossip about me, malicious gossip in print, Youtube, behind closed doors was going on. I wanted to set the record straight. I request you to not make fictitious stories, rather listen to me. I spoke about my experience 10 years ago and through the years I set out on a spiritual journey which taught me many things and that is why I am here with clarity and strength, retelling my story. Back to take up the fight that I had given up very long back because you can’t fight alone. Instead of spending my energy on talking about the same thing again and again, I wanted to conserve my energy and focus on my own well-being. In the middle of this, in the interviews, someone asked me why don’t we have a Me Too movement in India.”

She further said, “That is when I asked how will the Me Too movement happen here? When I spoke about the harassment I faced 10 years back, I did not get any justice. To have our own Me Too movement, first, we need to acknowledge a complaint that was filed publicly and then we can think of having our own Me Too movement.”

Tanushree pointed out the stark differences between the Indian and American society to show how a movement like Me Too can’t catch momentum here. “We have a habit of aping the West. The law and order, the community and the society over there (U.S.) supports Me Too. The movement happened when women started coming out and talking about it. We have had women talking about their experiences for a very long time here, but no one listens.”